Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
April 29, 2002
The
Board of Selectmen met this evening with Clerk Jeffrey Tufts presiding. Also in attendance were Carla Goodwin, Leo
Harlow, Gerard Marsan and Town Administrator Kevin Paicos. Patricia Webster was not in attendance.
Tufts
welcomed Marsan to the Board and stated that Webster was not in attendance this
evening due to a family emergency.
It
was noted that the General Minutes dated 4/1/02 would be tabled until the next
meeting, awaiting Webster’s minor revisions.
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted 3-0-1 to approve General
Minutes dated 4/8/02. Marsan
abstained.
On
Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Harlow, the Board voted 3-0-1 to approve Executive
Session Minutes dated 4/8/02. Marsan
abstained.
Harlow motioned to postpone the reorganization of the Board until the 5/6 meeting out of courtesy for Webster, as she was not present and felt that her vote should be heard. There was no second to the motion. Tufts expressed concern that we need to move forward with the reorganization to schedule meetings and set priorities.
Marsan
motioned to
nominate Tufts as Chair of the Board. Goodwin
seconded the motion.
Harlow
motioned to
nominate Webster as Chair of the Board.
Tufts seconded the motion for discussion purposes.
On
Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted 3-0-1 to close nominations.
Harlow
abstained.
The
Board voted 3-1 by roll-call to appoint Tufts as Chair.
Marsan
Tufts, Harlow Webster, Tufts Tufts, Goodwin Tufts.
Tufts
accepted the nomination as Chair.
Tufts
motioned to
nominate Goodwin as Clerk. Marsan
seconded the motion.
Harlow
motioned to
nominate Webster as Clerk. There was
no second to the motion.
On
Marsan’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted 3-0-1 to close nominations.
Harlow
abstained.
The
Board voted 3-1 by roll-call to appoint Goodwin as Clerk of the Board.
Harlow
Webster, Tufts Goodwin, Goodwin Goodwin, Marsan Goodwin.
This
item was Webster’s request and it will be tabled until the next meeting.
The
proclamation was read by Tufts. He
noted that Richardson has been doing a great job on behalf of the Lions
Club.
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously to accept the
$400 gift and to allow a gift account.
The Board expressed thanks to the Lions Club for their donation.
On
Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously to approve the
yard sale request and to waive the fee.
Jim
Mulligan was present, representing the Irish Festival. He announced that this is the Festivals’ 12th
year and there have been no serious incidents to date. He noted that he works very well with all
departments for coordination.
Harlow
noted that the Water Department had some concern with protecting the well
area. Mulligan noted that the area in
question was roped off last year and he will work with the DPW again this
year. Goodwin commended Mulligan for
the excellent job to date.
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to approve the
one-day alcohol and entertainment licenses for the event, as indicated on their
application. Tufts clarified the
entertainment and alcohol hours.
Jeff
Morse, Chair of the Personnel Review Committee submitted six copies of the
committee recommendation for the Board and Administrator.
Assistant
Town Administrator Martha White explained the process of refinancing an
affordable unit. She noted that the
amount to be financed cannot exceed 49.9% of the sale price of the home.
On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Harlow, the Board voted unanimously to approve a request, dated April 4, 2002, from the owner of a Local Initiative Program unit in Easton Country Estates to refinance his home, with the stipulations that the land be at a fixed rate and that the principal amount of the loan not exceed $140,000. Marsan questioned the process and protocol of who signs first, local or state. White explained that the Town approves first, and then it goes to the state agency.
Paicos
noted that the Board has the weekly report.
Goodwin questioned the status of the RFP. Paicos noted that counsel is reviewing it and it will be
discussed at the next meeting along with the Permanent Landfill Committee’s
recommendation. Goodwin expressed the
importance of reviewing the RFP carefully so that we have no problems in the
future.
Bob
Hicks present. He stated that the
committee voted to send the letter to the Board requesting the
postponement. Hicks explained the
budgets that have already been reviewed and which ones were left. He suggested that the Fincom could meet the
deadline for the 5/20 meeting if they continue to meet each week. Tufts and Goodwin felt strongly that we
maintain the 5/20 meeting date. Tufts
suggested that the Board focus on the changes in the budget, and not review
line by line.
The
consensus of the Board was to take no action on the request at this time.
The Conservation Commission has asked that this item be tabled.
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to accept the
resignation and send a certificate of appreciation.
On
Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously by roll-call to
appoint Adler to Dunkley’s unexpired term on the Historical Commission.
Goodwin-
Adler, Marsan- Adler, Harlow -Adler, Tufts -Adler.
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to accept
Fleury’s resignation.
On
Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously by roll-call to
accept the nomination of Keith to the Board of Registrars, filling Fleury’s
unexpired term.
The
Board recessed at 7:25 and reconvened at 7:30.
HEARING RE: CABLE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP/DISCUSSION RE: COMPETITIVE CABLE FRANCHISING
Attorney
William August, John McMorrow Cable Advisory Chair and Lou Russo, AT&T
Broadband Manager of Governmental Affairs present.
Paicos
left the room at this point of the meeting.
August
gave a brief explanation of the cable merger from AT&T to AT&T
Comcast. He explained that in this type
of industry, there is a large turnover and the purpose of this hearing is to
learn more about the new company.
There are four areas of criteria to consider: Management, Technical, Legal and Financial Qualifications. Russo
explained that she has been serving Easton since 1987 beginning with
Continental Cable, then Media One and now AT&T Broadband. She gave a detailed presentation to the
Board (see attached). She noted that the merger should take place by the end of
this year.
McMorrow
spoke on behalf of the Cable TV Advisory Committee and spoke of past
complaints, which he acknowledged that AT&T Comcast cannot be held
accountable for, specifically dealing with customer service issues and the
choice of stations. McMorrow noted that
when customer service has been poor, he was able to work through the issues
through Russo. She was very helpful in
that way. Tufts questioned the
compliance aspect of the current license, specifically if the I-loop issues
were complete and noted some complaints consisted of the lack of an adequate
amount of digital boxes along with the amount of time needed to schedule
work. He also questioned if the new
company will rectify the staffing issue.
Russo referred to last year’s billing conversion. She acknowledged that customer service was
poor at that time and has since improved.
AT&T Broadband is now in complete compliance with respect to
customer service. Customer issues are
taken very seriously. Goodwin
questioned gross revenues, specifically the amount of money that the school now
gets. Russo explained the process. August explained that the franchise itself
is subject to applicable law. Contracts
can be superseded by legislative law. Russo
explained that the cable customers have paid this fee all along. McMorrow recalled when this was
negotiated. August stated that we could
use this process to get a feel for how the new company will deal with these
issues. Russo stated that they are
currently in full compliance and if there are any outstanding issues in Easton,
she will work with us. Marsan asked
McMorrow if there were any outstanding issues with compliance and studio
equipment. McMorrow felt that all
compliance issues had been met with the exception of studio equipment. Marsan questioned how Russo felt the new
company would deal with issues. Russo
noted that they have been around for a long time and felt that they would be
very qualified to deal with the issues which will arise.
August referred to a letter regarding the Town of Westwood. There was much discussion by the Board. Russo reiterated that any issues needing to be resolved, she can help with that. She noted that a license review can be done at any time during the year. She noted that this is a separate issue than what should be discussed tonight as a transfer. Tufts expressed two concerns. He asked again if the I-Loop is complete and stressed the importance for emergency broadcasting. McMorrow felt that this issue was complete. Tufts also asked about delayed service. He asked for a commitment to improve the service aspect and to provide additional assets for equipment. McMorrow noted that the I-Loop is still coaxial and not fiberoptic. August referred back and noted that originally we chose the $100,000 instead of the eye-net for data because we did not have the equipment to run it. It was never intended to be data networking. Goodwin asked if Russo could predict any new technology. Russo referred to the recent digital tv, phone service, and possibly high definition tv and home security systems although she has no way to predict any of this. Goodwin also stressed the importance of a good customer service support network. Russo acknowledged some of the problems people had during the transition from Media One to AT&T. She noted that things are much better now.
Mr.
Rizzo, Lothrop Street asked if Russo predicted that e-mail would ever become a
monthly cost. Russo has no knowledge of
this at all and therefore cannot predict.
August asked if she was aware of operational changes in the Taunton or
other area offices. Russo knows of no
changes at this point and felt it was premature to predict. In closing, August noted that the town has
120 days from the day that the Town was served notice (March 1st) to
make a decision.
On
Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Harlow, the Board voted unanimously to
take this matter under advisement and charge the Cable Advisory Committee to
determine if there are any outstanding issues that need to be addressed and
report back to the Board for a follow-up discussion by mid-June.
The
Board took a brief recess at 8:35 and reconvened at 8:40.
Paicos
returned at this point of the meeting.
Peter
Twiraga – 204 Elm Street
He
spoke about the last two elections and feels disappointed by the low turnout of
voters at the polls. He acknowledged
that the Board has in the past done things like holding elections on Saturdays. Tufts suggests that we check with the Town
Clerk to see what is allowed under the law with regards to publication and
notification.
Town
Moderator Dick Dailey stated that Saturday elections are a problem for the
Jewish community as it is their Sabbath. He commended Twiraga for his efforts
and encouraged people like himself to get together in town groups and we would
be happy to hear their thoughts on improving voter turnout.
Harlow
stated that all people should take the time to vote. It appears that less people are voting even for the presidential
elections.
ATM
WARRANT REVIEW (see attached draft dated 4/29/02)
Article
#26 – new article.
On
Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously to include the
article.
On
Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously to approve
article #26, upon activation, as amended.
Discussion
re: Board of Health “On Site Septic” revolving account article.
A
memo was noted from the Board of Health asking that this article be put back on
the warrant. Paicos explained that if
this article is put on and approved, $80,000 would be taken out the general
government account as this money has already been accounted for.
There
was much discussion between the Board and the Administrator.
Goodwin
expressed concern that this problem has been ongoing for 1 ½ years in the Board
of Health. Paicos explained that if
this is approved, all departments with revolving accounts could ask for the
same thing. Cuts are taking place
within all departments. He explained
that this proposal is different than what the Planning Board has proposed. Tufts feels that we owe it to the Board of
Health, as they are also an elected Board to place it on the warrants and Town
Meeting can decide what happens from there.
Tufts reiterated that no more tension is needed between elected Boards.
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to include the
Board of Health article in the warrant.
Article
#1
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to recommend
Article 1.
Article
#2
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to
recommend Article 2.
Article
#3
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to recommend
Article 3.
Article
#4
On
Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Harlow, the Board voted unanimously to recommend
Article 4.
Article
#7
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted unanimously to dismiss
Article 7.
Article
#8
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to dismiss
Article 8.
Article
#9
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously to recommend
Article 9.
Article
#10
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted unanimously to dismiss
Article 10.
Article
#11
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously to recommend
Article 11.
Article
#12
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to recommend
Article 12.
Article
#14
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to recommend
Article 14.
Article #15
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to recommend
Article 15.
Article
#17
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted 3-1 to recommend Article 17. Marsan opposed.
Article
#19
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to recommend
Article #19.
Article
#20
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to recommend
Article 20.
Article
#21
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to recommend
Article 21.
Article
#27
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously to recommend
Article 27.
The consensus of the Board was to review beginning next week so Webster could participate. Tufts expressed the need to expedite the process and suggested not to review line by line but to review the budgets with changes.
Paicos
has new information regarding the House Budget. They could cut another $230,000,000 in Ch.70 money and if this
happens, we could lose up to ¼ in education aid or a $2,000,000 loss. Paicos
will keep the Board posted. He feels
there may be a cut, but not that significant as stated above.
Paicos
updated the Board on a policy seniority issue from last year. The Town was
upheld in its decision and Paicos was pleased the position was vindicated.
The
Habitat for Humanity will have a wall raising ceremony on June 1st
at 11am. All Selectmen are encouraged
to attend and more information will follow.
Erica
Finchen of the Easton Journal asked for clarification of Articles 12 and 27 of
the draft warrant.
She
also asked when the Fire Chief’s position would be advertised. The Board indicated that this would be
discussed next week.
Goodwin
will attend the Mass Selectmen’s Association meeting on May 1st. Ch. 70 and Ch. 90 funds will be
discussed. She will keep the Board
posted. Also, she noted that she will
be representing the Board at an upcoming Mass Selectmen’s Association Meeting
in conjunction with Vision 2020 and SERSG.
Goodwin
asked on behalf of school proponents what the Selectmen’s thoughts are on the
school cuts. It was noted that we have
joined with Wareham in their efforts.
The perception was that money is going toward the town and not the
school side.
Harlow
expressed disappointment with Board members for reorganizing although Webster
was not present. He also found it
disturbing that Tufts chaired the meeting in the Chairman’s seat, before the
vote was taken to appoint him as Chair.
Harlow implied that this does not look good in the public’s eye.
Tufts
noted that although he is sorry that Webster is not here this evening to
participate, he acknowledged that a decision needed to made tonight regarding
this reorganization to move forward. He noted that as Clerk of the Board, he is
also the Vice Chair. He suggested that
it makes more sense to run the meeting from the middle of the room, than off on
the side where it is difficult seeing all the members. He noted that this type of issue shouldn’t
even be discussed in this manner.
Marsan noted that the Board is here to do the business of the voters of the Town and we need to move forward. Marsan was also sorry that Webster could not participate this evening but reiterated that important work needs to be done and this is what the Board should be doing.
Tufts
noted that the DARE Graduation will take place on Thursday, May 2nd
at 7pm at the HHR/FL Olmsted School.
All Selectmen are invited to attend.
Tufts noted that he will be preparing a summer schedule and asked all
Board members to submit their vacation schedules as soon as possible. He also asked each member for a list of
important issues they would like to see discussed.
On
Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously by roll-call to
go into Executive Session for the purpose of Litigation and Real Property, not
to return to Open Session. (9:40pm)
Marsan-yes,
Harlow- yes, Tufts- yes, Goodwin- yes.
__________________________________
APPROVED
__________________________________
DATE